2008:Cultural Influences

Sarah Palin controversial over the amount spent on clothes during Presidential Campaign

Tiny Fey brings a comical side to the campaign by portaying Sarah Palin in skits.

Travis Barker and DJ AM were in plane crash


Wal-mart employee trampled to death by eager consumers on Black Friday

Miley Cyus and Vanity Fair reveal a controversial photo shoot.

Nick Jonas and Disney support diabetes awareness

Lindsay Lohan revealed her sexuality as bisexual. This caused controversial media coverage

Grey’s Anatomy introduces and takes away a gay woman character causing a controversial stir.

Britney Spears releases new album, The Circus, as well as a personal makeover

Media coverage of Eliot Spitzer scandal with call girl escalates
Reality TV, such as the Hills is found out to be scripted.
Lauren Conrad’s Line is dropped from Kitson contact

Anchor Blue drops Heidi Montags fashion line “Heidiwood” from contract

Top Five television shows in 2008
Heroes
House
Prison Break
Grey’s Anatomy
Gossip Girl

The Dark Knight was release in summer causing media attention due to Heath Ledgers death
The movie grossed $530,258,989

Other top grossing movies are:
$318,298,180:Iron Man (2008)
$317,011,114:Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
$227,946,274:Hancock (2008)
$223,641,119:WALL·E (2008)
$215,395,021:Kung Fu Panda (2008)
$159,066,369:Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)
$4154,529,187:Horton Hears a Who! (2008)
$4152,637,269:Sex and the City (2008)
$143,704,210:Mamma Mia! (2008)

Analysis
The cultural influences of 2008 have demonstrated a strong media and entertainment hold on the public. This attention has positive and negative consequences that affect all aspects of consumer knowledge, spending, and lifestyle.

Sources:

perezhilton.com

google.com

yahoo.com

nytimes.com

mtv.com